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Aircraft Stalls and Crashes After Aborted Landing at Summerville Airport (N65632)

Summersville, WV, US

On August 11, 1996, a Cessna 172P (registration N65632) was involved in an aviation accident near Summersville, WV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper flare, his delay in aborting a landing, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a bounced landing and a stall during climb out in an attempt to avoid collision with trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During climb-out from an aborted landing on runway 04 at Summerville Airport, the airplane stalled and struck the ground nose-down, then caught fire. Witnesses reported steep approaches, bounces, and a tree-top-level climb.

Accident Sequence

A private pilot conducted an approach to land on runway 04 at Summerville Airport. According to a witness, the pilot performed steep, tight turns during the first approach. The airplane bounced several times on touchdown, and the landing was aborted. During the go-around, the airplane nearly struck a building. The pilot then initiated a second approach, which was also steep and tight. The airplane again bounced several times, and the landing was aborted once more.

After the second aborted landing, the airplane climbed out but did not exceed tree-top height. The pilot turned steeply onto the crosswind leg. The airplane then stalled and descended into the trees in a nose-down attitude. Another witness reported hearing the engine running until the moment of ground impact. A post-crash fire consumed the airplane.

Examination and Pilot Information

Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunction. The pilot had obtained a private pilot certificate one month before the accident date.

Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Aug 1996 Cessna 172P accident near Summersville, WV?

During climb-out from an aborted landing on runway 04 at Summerville Airport, the airplane stalled and struck the ground nose-down, then caught fire. Witnesses reported steep approaches, bounces, and a tree-top-level climb.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Aug 1996 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N65632, at Summersville, WV.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper flare, his delay in aborting a landing, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a bounced landing and a stall during climb out in an attempt to avoid collision with trees.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06522. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.